A historic cottage has been destroyed in a deliberate fire.

The blaze ripped through Cruck Cottage on Shieldhill Road in Torthorwald, Dumfries and Galloway.

Officers are treating the fire, which happened shortly before 11pm on Tuesday, as suspicious.

The blaze caused extensive damage to the thatched roof and supporting timbers in the building, which is being operated as a museum.

Detective sergeant Scott Young said on Thursday: "The Cruck Cottage is a Grade A-listed building and is operated as a museum.

"A joint fire investigation will take place later today in order to try and establish the cause of the fire.

"At this time we are examining CCTV footage around the area of the cottage and have now identified movements near the cottage just prior to the fire being discovered."

He added: "We are therefore appealing to the public for information which might help us in this investigation.

"We want to hear from anyone who may have been on the Sheildhill Road area in Torthorwald on Tuesday evening to get in touch if they can help identify any suspicious activity, or can identify any vehicles in that area near the cottage."

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101.